Concerns over staff cuts at Hunter train stations

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is concerned staff numbers will be cut at train stations across the Hunter as part of a RailCorp review.

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Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says she is concerned passenger safety will be put at risk at Hunter train stations if staff numbers are cut under the State Government's review of RailCorp.

RailCorp will undergo a major shake-up after a 30 per cent increase in operational costs since 2006.

Ms Hornery claims 21 of the Hunter's 43 stations risk losing staff under the review with Broadmeadow, Maitland, Cardiff and Fassifern stations all under threat.

Ms Horney says there's already problems with crime on the rail network and this will only make things worse.

"Look it's a major concern for me that there will be security problems," .

"Given that some of our train stations are ranked very highly for crime statistics, then obviously if you take more staff away from them that increases the opportunity for criminals and crooks to perform their acts because they know there is no one watching them."

Ms Horney says staff cuts will only act as a disincentive to people to use public transport.

"And that's another real worry not only are people going to be less safe and secure on trains there's going to be less incentive because there's less staff to assist them, the trains aren't as clean as they were," she said.

"What the O'Farrell Government must be doing is encouraging people to use public transport."